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Course Details

LGS321 Evidence and Fact Gathering

This course examines the rules governing the admission, exclusion, and presentation of evidence in judicial proceedings. Topics covered in this course include relevancy, authentication, the “Best Evidence” rule: categorical rules of exclusion; character and habit evidence; competency of witnesses; examination and impeachment of witnesses; opinion and expert testimony; presentation of evidence, privilege; the hearsay rule and its exceptions, presumptions and burdens of proof and the scope of judicial notice. Additionally, the course covers strategies for fact-finding, investigation and interviewing techniques for gathering information. Also includes investigative techniques for determining what information is needed and finding, organizing, verifying and documenting the information.